SemperParatus

I could be wrong, but I don't think this is an 'official' BSA award. I have seen "I Did My Best" patches and ribbons that you can buy at the scout shop, but they are designed to be recognitions that a pack/den may use for one of their own activities. I suspect you may have seen an "I Did My Best" patch on a brag vest. The scout may have received this by participating in a pack/den event, or they could have simply purchased it at the scout shop because they liked the look of it. Next time you see someone wearing one, ask them about it. Or check with your Cubmaster or Den Leader to see if your unit sponsors some kind of "I Did My Best" award.

Is this troop 'rule' enforced? What would happen if a committee member showed up wearing a uniform? I agree it is a 'dumb' rule. There is no purpose served by discouraging adults affiliated with the troop to go 'uniformless'. Why would the BSA go to the trouble of having position patches for CC, Chaplain, MC, etc. if not for the expectation that they would be placed on a uniform. If this is some attempt to separate those trained from the untrained, I think that's what the 'Trained' patch is for.

I don't understand...what is the rule?

mjengels, This has to be craziest thing I have ever heard of in three decades of scouting. Did I understand what you said - A boy earns his rank and is presented the badge at the pack meeting. But he is not allowed to wear it until everyone else in his den has earned there's. WHO decided that? I don't care if it was the CM, DL, or Baden-Powell himself...sew the badge on his uniform and let him be proud to show it off. If someone says something to him, have them give me a call. I would be more than happy to discuss this matter with them.

Here are some I can think of... Advantages Starting up in scouts in the Spring (when school is almost out) is probably less stressful for scouts/parents then in September (when school is just beginning). Scouts and parents can get adjusted to this thing we call 'scoutin' without the pressures of school and distractions of most sporting activities (e.g., t-ball in spring and soccer in fall). Outdoor activities/go see its are a little easier to come by in the warm weather of spring/summer than the colder weather of fall/winter. An earlier start gives scouts more time to work on advancement requirements, reducing the 'stress' of trying to earn the Tiger Rank in 5-6 months, in time for B&G for example. If the pack has a strong summer calendar, then the new scouts can enjoy warm weather, fun outings right off the bat which will pique their interest in scouting. Disadvantages Summer vacations can wreak havoc on a new Tiger den's ability to get together during the summer. But maybe the den decides to just enjoy the summertime pack events instead of trying for den meetings during this time. Recruiting again in September will require den leader's effort in working with two sets of boys at different advancement positions. If the pack has a poor summertime activities calendar, you run the risk of losing the newest recruits, who may be given the impression that there isn't a lot to scouting. The first couple of months in Tigers has probably the highest dropout rates. If it isn't fun, you will lose them.

Hello. See the link below. Click on the section that says The Requirements Are In Here. http://www.geocities.com/~pack215/academics-sports.html Good luck.

Here's your big chance to vote on uniform changes... http://www.scoutstuff.org/cgi/catalog'>http://www.scoutstuff.org/cgi/catalog If that doesn't work, go to http://www.scoutstuff.org/ Enter site and then click on Customer Opinion Poll (This message has been edited by SemperParatus)(This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

By any chance, was grandma's name The Fabulous Moolah?

That's one step by Nlscouter, one giant leap for Scouter forum. Welcome. How's the weather in Indiana?

Don't forget to include an Adult Application form too. And maybe a flyer promoting this year's summer camp, since that is usually the first big decision that needs to be made after crossing over since camps are looking for their money in late winter/early spring.

You should serve the food immediately and do the skits, awards, ceremonies while everyone is eating (unfortunately, as CM you will probably end up taking a bite when you can). Put the desserts out with the food to be gotten, or have dens keep their brought deserts at their table to share while eating. As soon as the last person is through the buffet line - start r' up. If the boys have prepared skits already, you should probably not cut that out, especially if they are B&G related. Now, if you have ten or so dens, maybe it is necessary to ask half of them to perform at the March pack meeting. Make sure the awards are well organized so that scouts are basically only brought up once for all of their awards (rather than multiple times for multiple awards). Consider attaching each boys awards to a cardboard cutout (fleur de lis or whatever) so it is as simple as handing one thing to each. Maybe don't read off every award for every boy (gosh is that boring), but rather say something special about the boy or one of the awards he earned. I come from a background of handling the AOL and Crossover as separate events, but I think you need to abide by your pack's tradition and the expectation of the webelos and their troops. Thats a shame. Have you looked into other possible venues or is it just too late in the game?(This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

The overwhelming majority of packs cover the costs of all projected awards/recognitions in its annual budget, thereby establishing the amount of dues to be paid and fundraising goals. Perhaps your pack has not met its fundraising goals (or is in need of an additional fundraiser) and is looking for ways to cut costs, rather than raise additional funds. I haven't priced beltloops in a while, but I can't imagine it doesn't average out to about $5-7 per boy per year. Less effort could be put into a fundraiser to raise this amount, then to keep track of who owes what for which beltloops. How sad. I hope your search for a new pack is going well.

Welcome. I assume a number of other parents are in agreement (EIKY - there I go again). Both the CC and SM serve at the pleasure of the CO. You could take your concerns, especially if shared by a number of other parents, to the COR to effectuate a possible change, although that has a potential for getting ugly (if the CC refuses) or being ineffective (if the CO doesn't really care). In my opinion, it sounds like the guy is 'not into it' anymore and may actualy welcome someone else taking over. I think you (and others) could approach him in a kind manner and offer/suggest/cajole him into 'retirement'. In doing so, show him the level of respect he has earned by serving your unit for 15 years. Even if he declines, you have planted the seed for another run at him as time passes. Maybe suggest to him that, with all of his years of wisdom and experience, it would be in the best long-term interest of the troop to have a co-chair, someone that he can 'groom' to eventually take his place. Of course, the 'protege' will be selected as someone who can diplomatically maneuver the troop to a better place. He really should not be both the treasurer and the chair. As a committee member, offer a motion to have a Treasurer appointed (best case, make sure you have the votes to carry this). Once you begin to strip him of some of his 'stuff', you may find he doesn't want any more 'hassles' and look for an out. Good luck.

I have had scouts take similar 'sabbaticals' to get their grades up. You are doing the right thing by trying to find ways to keep him exposed to scouting. The longer a boy spends away from regular scouting meetings/activities, the less likely he will ever get back into it. Check the den/pack calendar to make sure you don't miss scouting opportunities that fall on non-tutor days, e.g., weekends. Maybe even offer the den leader your services in putting together a couple of weekend den outings over the next few months to benefit all the boys in the den, and especially your son by keeping him connected with them. Check your council calendar, there may be some council/district events (e.g., Spring Camporee)that you both can attend. In all likelihood, the tutor will cancel at times. Use those opportunities to make the den/pack meeting. Continue to work on advancement with him, as study time allows. It will provide a nice break from the drudgery of more school work. Visiting another pack may be uncomfortable, but another Webelos I or II den in your pack could work well, especially if he knows one or more of the boys in the den and the den leader is supportive. Good luck.

The BSA Paraprofessional position has been around since 1971. They are typically part-time paid staff with programming responsibilities (versus office staff). Here is some discussion from Mike Walton's site: http://www.mninter.net/~blkeagle/pros.htm (This message has been edited by SemperParatus)

Welcome to the forum. I assume that the COR, CC and CM are all in agreement that the DL's volunteer services are no longer wanted and that a new DL has been recruited. You mention that you have an upcoming committee meeting. Assuming the DL will be present, the COR, CC and CM should wait until the end of the meeting and ask the DL to please remain (if you communicate to the DL that he should arrive early or you want to schedule a special meeting, there is a good chance he will not show). Have a letter prepared, signed by the appropriate pack leadership, that includes a statement as to the termination of den leader responsibilities and a listing of the things you require be returned (den funds, keys, etc.) along with a deadline. There is a very good chance that unless you have required full accounting of funds by den leaders, you will get no money out of this leader, since he can just say it has all been spent on den activities. I would not expect any separate 'den funds' would be significant (at most one month of den dues), however, if it is more then you need to decide how hard you want to chase him for it. If he refuses to turn over the keys to the church, usually a friendly call from your 'church facilities guy' will rectify that situation. It would not hurt to document for the pack files the reasons for the termination. Likewise, the CC may want to give your District Exec a heads up that this is happening, given the expectation that the man may try and create problems. The boys and parents of the den need to be provided with information (appropriate to each)so that they understand the change in den leadership. Likewise, the new DL needs to be given whatever support he/she will need from the pack leadership to make sure the boys do not suffer in any way from the leadership change. Best of luck to you.

This was a 'cut and paste' job...this list has been on the internet for years. I wouldn't attribute the thoughts contained in this parody to purcelce. While he may agree with them, I think he was just trying to share some humor he came across while surfin'.

You should go back to the person that asked for the bio (cubmaster?)to find out what should be included (scouting info or more). Also, consider sharing with the parents of the other scouts crossing over so there is some consistency.

Don't forget lunch - Jurassaic Pork ('hotdogs') and Brontosaurus burgers. Contruct a fence-like dinosaur out of plywood - eight feet high and 24 feet long. Let each den take a turn painting it during the week.

Scouts on the big screen - Just in the past week some more scout sightings - 1. Manchurian Candidate has Denzel meeting with two boy scout troops near the beginning, giving a talk about Desert Storm. At the end of his presentation, the scoutmaster stands up and says a goofy thank-you. Uniforms look impeccable. 2. Major Payne has a wolf cub scout near the end fully dressed. 3. I was watching an old rerun of Ozzie & Harriet - Ozzie makes a promise to Harriet holding up the peace sign, saying 'scout's honor'. Harriet corrects him, 'that's cub scouts'. Ozzie changes to three fingers.

Congratulations to isvirtual, jr.!!!!! The Eagle COH should be one of the highlights of your son's scouting career. In my opinion, that is the best time to present him with the Eagle badge. I would have him continue to wear his Life badge until the COH.

I know its too big...but... Are the scouts complaining? Are the parents of the boys in the den complaining? The Den Leaders aren't complaining. The Cubmaster does not seem to mind? Have you been to enough of their den meetings to know with certainty that they are "out of control"? Most times a very large den cannot work. Sometimes a very large den can work. Its not so much an issue of size, but of leadership. I agree that the preference would be 2 or even 3 dens, but if no one other than yourself is complaining then maybe it should be left alone. As CC, you should have a big say in the program but I would not make this a one-man/woman crusade.

BIS, I think most committed Scouters have had these exact same feelings at one time or another, especially in the early years with the shock that there are many parents out there that just don't seem to care enough to help out, even a little bit. First things first. Start charging den dues...immediately. Figure out what you spend each month on den supplies and make it perfectly clear to the other parents that dues must be paid. There is absolutely no reason you should be spending your own money to entertain ten other children every week. Second, have a sitdown with the parents in your den and let them know exactly how you feel. Things can't continue as in the past. Have a sign-up sheet that each parent must sign volunteering their time for an upcoming meeting. No one leaves the room until they sign-up for a future meeting. (I had to do this very thing when I was a Bear den leader and cubmaster - it was hard but I felt at the end of my rope at the time - much as you do). Let them know what their future meeting will be focusing on and give them the task of providing the craft, game, activity, whatever. If a parent refuses to help in anyway, then I think you are within your rights to suggest that they transfer to another den or pack where their services will not be needed. Human nature is such that people will continue to take advantage of your kindness until you decide to put an end to it. Third, take UncleGuinea's wise advise and use the Program Helps and other BSA literature found at your local scout shop to lessen your planning time. You don't have to follow them to a tee, but some weeks you can and others you can add your own touches. Expanding on the requirements is nice but you should not have to rack your brain and go broke making it super special week-in and week-out. The kids probably love it, but you would be surprised to discover that they will probably love a lot less too. Share the Helps with the parents that have signed up to help, well in advance, so they can plan their part of the den meeting. Fourth, remember that at this age the advancement work should still be a scout-parent initiative. You can supplement that work during den meetings but don't kill yourself by taking care of all advancement requirements for all the boys. Let the parent crack the scout handbook too. If some boys do not advance as a result, well that is not really your problem. Let the parents know that now, so they have plenty of advance warning when badges are presented. Perhaps put together a full year den calendar that shows each den meeting date, the parent helper, the activity, the requirements that will be covered - and a list of the requirements that each scout/parent must complete at home. This can take some upfront planning time, but I think you will find it time well spent as some of the pressure is taken off of your shoulders and everyone knows their responsibilities both to the den and their own scout. Fifth, remember. Remember why you joined scouting in the first place. To give your son a great experience in an organization that fosters friendship, fun, and growth. Remember why you became a leader. It wasn't just because no one else volunteered. It was also because you wanted to help other children, like your son, experience the benefits that scouting has to offer. Remember, that all of that could go away if you do not take care of yourself first and remove the pressure you are feeling. Finally, do what is best for your son. If he is having fun in scouting, it is probably because of your efforts. I sincerely hope you can get through this difficult time by changing expectations you have for yourself and the parents of those scouts you serve. Believe me, there are fantastic rewards on the other side. Scouting can provide both you and your son with years of incredibly wonderful shared experiences. Best of luck to you.

Don't know if this helps any, but here it goes... I have never worked with a dwarf, but I have worked with a number of other scouts with disabilities. What I have found works well is to meet with the scout and parents separately on several different ocassions to come up with a workable plan for advancement. The first meeting is to essentially present the overall plan for advancement to Eagle focusing on the rank and required merit badge requirements. I leave them with a copy of the requirements list and ask them to take a month or two to review the list for specific requirements that they feel may pose an insurmountable challenge due to the disability. We then sit down when they are ready and review the requirements again and discuss the areas of concern and possible alternatives. We focus on the requirements through First Class first since that it the primary challenge for the upcoming year. Then we focus on the merit badges that he can reasonably be expected to work on in the next two years (e.g., Communications, Family Life, First Aid, Citcom, etc.). The more physically demanding merit badges are typically not a first year concern even for able-bodied scouts and so we typically leave those for a follow-up meeting later in the year or when we sit down again to plan the advancement goals for the upcoming year. As the scout gains experience over the years, requirements that at first seemed insurmountable suddenly look a lot less difficult. It really requires an individualized effort on the part of the SMs, scout and his parents, a little more time and focus, but in the end it is oh so worth it. Since you know your Council's method of getting alternatives approved, I'll leave that one alone. Best of luck to you and the scout.

To get over the present hurdle, while you locate a new pack... Speak to the den leader and cubmaster. Turn in to the both of them the copies of the advancement records you have been keeping, along with a list of the awards you expect to be awarded. Tell them you expect that the awards will be made at the next pack meeting (hopefully that is the Blue & Gold). Follow-up with them one or two weeks before the meeting to make sure no one has forgotten and that the awards have, in fact, been obtained for presentation. In a well-run pack, you should not have to do any of this (it should be as EIKY lays out), but you are obviously not in a well-run pack. There is no problem with being awarded the Bobcat and Wolf badges at the same time. There is no problem with certain den members earning certain awards not earned by others. A boy should be presented with all awards that he has earned as promptly as possible. Good luck.